New Park Zone Planned for Astana’s Left Bank

A new park zone is planned for Astana between Zhaukazyn and Makatayev streets on the left bank of the Yessil River. The tender for park construction was...


Aktobe Development Plans Updated to Reflect Population Growth

A new plan to develop the western Kazakhstan city of Aktobe was approved by the maslikhat (regional assembly) during its 27th session on Oct. 15. The plan...


Award-Winning Kazakh Film Shown at London Festival

“Nagima,” a film by Kazakh director Zhanna Issabayeva, was presented during the recently completed BFI London Film Festival 2014. The heart-breaking story tells the tale of two...


Kazakhstan Welcomes Parliamentary Election in Ukraine

ASTANA – Kazakhstan “welcomes the holding of elections to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Oct. 26 this year,” the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in...


Chinese, South Korean Companies Plan Investment in Kazakh Chemical Industry

Chinese and South Korean companies are said to plan to invest in a recently opened special economic zone, the Taraz Chemical Park, which was initiated by the...


Culture of Kazakhstan

Kazakh Artist Shares Culture of Kazakhstan in Europe

Kazakh artist and winner of several international art awards Bolat Mekebayev, who now lives and works in Germany, bemused spectators with his honest and vivid paintings during...


Kа-226Т Helicopters to be Constructed in Almaty

Kа-226Т helicopters are expected to be constructed at Almaty-based aircraft repair plant No. 405, said Plant Director Konstantin Ushakov. The announcement was made by the Ministry of...


Kazakhstan, Brazil Hold Similar Positions on Int’l Issues, Says Kazakh Ambassador

The Astana Times recently interviewed Kazakh Ambassador to Brazil Bakytzhan Ordabayev who also represents the country in Argentina and Chile. How do you assess the current status...


Indonesian Ambassador Praises Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy, Encourages B2B and G2G Cooperation

Since the most recent visit of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Indonesia in 2012, Kazakhstan and Indonesia have seen a trade surge that has tripled the two...


Abai Opera Gets Warm Reception in Paris

As part of Kazakhstan Culture Weeks being held in France, the “Abai” opera was performed at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees by Abai Kazakh State Academic Theater of...


New Book Illuminates Kazakhstan’s History with Maps, Illustrations

ASTANA – A new book edited by Hong Kong-based writer Jeremy Tredinnick collects essays, photographs, maps, artefacts and other visual and textual information to illuminate the historical...


Annual Economic Forum of National Business Expert-200-Kazakhstan to Discuss Public Administration Reform

ASTANA – The 6th Economic Forum of national business, Expert-200-Kazakhstan, will take place at the Radisson Hotel Astana on Nov. 14, 2014. The forum is the final...


Kazakhstan, UN Continue Building on Two-Decades of Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is keen to strengthen the United Nations further and is willing to assist in expanding its presence in the country, including through the establishment...


Weightlifting World Championship Almaty to Attract Almost 700 Athletes

Almaty is preparing to host 683 weightlifters from 75 countries for the Weightlifting World Championship Nov. 8-16 which will determine the strongest men and women on earth...


World’s Best Wrestlers to Battle for First International Kazakh Kuresy Title in Pavlodar

Some of the best fighters from 35 countries will battle to win the first Kazakh kuresy (Kazakh wrestling) international title in Pavlodar on Oct. 25 in a...


Kazakhstan to Celebrate 550th Kazakh Statehood Anniversary in 2015

ASTANA – President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced on Oct. 22 that next year Kazakhstan will celebrate the 550th anniversary of Kazakh statehood. “In 1465, Kerey and...


Experts and Officials Discuss EXPO 2017, Future Energy in Astana

ASTANA – More than 200 participants discussed conceptual and logistical details related to EXPO 2017 at the first International Planning Meeting (IPM) and the Future Energy Forum...


In Kazakhstan, Bride-Kidnapping Video Found to be Fake, Practice Illegal but not Completely Eradicated

ASTANA – Following the release last week by the New York Post, among other media outlets, of a video claiming to show a bride-kidnapping in Kazakhstan’s Akmola...


Kazakhstan’s Judicial System Earns More Popular Trust, Supreme Court Chair Says

ASTANA – Based on the annual increase of more than 100,000 claims filed with the courts during the last five years, Kazakhstan citizens appear to have a...


Patriotism Drives Surgeon to Pursue Cutting-Edge Medicine

In the first 20 years of independence, Kazakhstan has had many successes and, among its most recent, has been in the field of cardio vascular surgery. Heart...


Asia-Europe People’s Forum: An Eyewitness Account

As the proverb goes, “the first impressions are the most lasting.” For the first time this year, representatives of Kazakhstan’s civil society attended the Asia-Europe People’s Forum...


Business News in Brief

“Within the privatisation programme, three companies of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy were sold for 2.6 billion tenge ,” the Samruk Kazyna National Welfare Fund press service noted...


National News in Brief

Young and talented people from other countries will be encouraged to move into Kazakhstan, Minister of Health and Social Development Tamara Duissenova said. “One of the directions...


External News in Brief

“The Western Europe-Western China transport corridor plans to add a branch to the countries of the Persian Gulf. The branch will start from the territory of Kazakhstan....


Economic News in Brief

According to Karim Kokrekbayev, Akim (Governor) of the Zhambyl region, meat production is expected increase to 82,000 tonnes – by 40 percent – in the region by...


Transcontinental Connectivity as the Best Way to Make Benefit for All

A multi-vector foreign policy has always been a priority for Kazakhstan. Since independence, the government has signed a multitude of treaties establishing partnerships and working relations with...


Major China TV Channel to Air Documentary Series on Kazakh Culture

ASTANA – China’s main broadcaster, China Central TV6, has completed a documentary about Kazakhstan, the China Movie Channel reported. The five twenty-minute episodes will unveil Kazakh cuisine,...


Ancient Kazakh History on Display at New Shymkent Exhibition

SHYMKENT – An exhibition centre housing artefacts from archaeological sites in the region, including important early written texts, has been opened at the South Kazakhstan State Pedagogical...


Kazakhstan Paralympians Win Nine Medals So Far at Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s paralympians won one gold, four silver and four bronze medals over two days at the Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games. On Oct. 20, Anuar...


First European Laser Eye Surgery Centre Opens in Astana

ASTANA – The first European Laser Eye Surgery Centre has opened in Astana at the Republican Diagnostic Center (RDC), in collaboration with the Slovakian Oftum Clinic, with...


Golovkin Knocks Out Rubio in Round 2, Wins WBC Interim Championship Belt

Gennady G. Golovkin of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, knocked out Marco Antonio Rubio of Mexico in round two of an Oct. 19 bout in Carson, California to win the...


Astana Marriott Launches New Sunday Brunch

ASTANA – The Astana Marriott Hotel launched its new Sunday brunch on Oct. 19 in the hotel’s Aroma Restaurant. Brunches will be held every third Sunday of...


BIE Commends Astana’s EXPO 2017 Preparations during Briefing in Paris

The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) commended Astana’s preparations for EXPO 2017 as a Kazakh delegation led by First Deputy Foreign Minister and EXPO 2017 Commissioner Rapil...


Kazakhstan Joins ASEM, Moves to Boost Multilateral Cooperation in New Format

MILAN – Kazakhstan has officially joined the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), a key forum for dialogue and cooperation between the two continents, and took part in the 10th...


German Photographer Explores Kazakh Culture, Energy Plans

ASTANA – Photographer Dieter Seitz, whose work focuses on people and cultural issues, has chosen Kazakhstan to be the subject of a multi-year photo project exploring its...


IOC President Calls Kazakh Olympic Hosting Bid ‘Strong’ During Almaty Visit

ALMATY – International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach called Almaty and Kazakhstan’s application to host the 2022 Winter Olympics “very solid and competitive” during an Oct. 11-12...


Environment Set to Be Major Project of 21st Century

TheUN Climate Summit in New York marked a high point in political mobilisation for climate, with over 120 countries represented at the highest level. The summit should...


Kazakh Senate Elections Met International Standards, Say Int’l Observers

ASTANA – The regional administrations (maslikhats) of Kazakhstan elected 16 new senators on Oct. 1 in a process that unfolded largely without incident, reported Central Election Commission...


Shymkent Student Animations Gain Attention at International Festival

Students from Shymkent Aliya Tugelbai and Bakbergen Saparov were recognised among participants from 35 countries during the recent 18th To Save and To Reserve International Ecological Festival...


Astana 2017

Students Present EXPO 2017 Astana-Related Inventions in Shymkent

SHYMKENT Scientific projects related to EXPO 2017 developed by students of Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, including a playground that produces electricity, were presented during a recent festival in...


Pavlodar SEZ, Three New Chemical Companies to Further Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy

Cutout: Petrochemical cluster in region relies on foreign expertise and investments. PAVLODAR – Nurlan Kapparov, head of Kazatomprom, the national atomic company, and Kanat Bozumbayev, Akim (Governor)...


EU, Central Asian Cooperation Key to Security and Prosperity, Says Latvian Ambassador

ASTANA – Latvian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Juris Maklakovs will wrap up his embassy’s turn as NATO point of contact in Kazakhstan at the end of this year,...


Peugeot to Produce Two New Car Models in Kostanai

Peugeot plans to begin production on two new cars in Kostanai that will be available for sale as early as spring 2015, according to the website of...


Kazakhstan Wins Gold, Overall Medal Count at Astana Judo Grand Prix

Kazakhstan’s former world champion and top judoka Maxim Rakov won gold in the men’s under 100 kilogrammes category at the season-ending Asian leg of the International Judo Federation’s...


Asian Games Victories Further Country’s Reputation as Sporting Nation

Kazakhstan’s performance at the 17th Asian Games in South Korea in early October was further evidence of the country’s growing reputation as a sporting nation. Of the...


Kazakhstan, UNDP & Coca-Cola to Increase Rural Access to Safe Drinking Water

ASTANA – Earth is our Home, the programme for Kazakh water resources management, was launched on Oct. 8. As part of this project, international organisations represented by...


Almaty’s Medeo Skating Rink Opens for the Season

Almaty’s renowned outdoor skating rink Medeo opened its doors for the season on Oct. 4. Medeo is located 1,691 metres above sea level, which makes it the...


Astana Dombyra Party Highlights Kazakh Culture, Pride

ASTANA – Professional and amateur musicians participated in an Oct. 4 Dombyra party musical event at the new National Museum of Kazakhstan to promote the traditions of...


Kazakh Boxer Akberbayev Defeats American Sarran, Extends Winning Streak

Almaty boxer Isa Akberbayev knocked out Geovanni Sarran from Palmdale, California, in Santa Monica on Oct. 1 in round four to continue his professional 13-win career streak....


Senator Suggests Housing, Social Support for Creative Professionals

Senator Nurlan Orazalin requested during an Oct. 2 plenary session with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan that social programmes and housing support be provided...


Northern Caspian May Contain Large, Unexplored Oil Reserves, Energy Ministry Says

The northern Caspian Sea may contain large amounts of previously unexplored oil reserves, the Kazakh Ministry of Energy announced on Oct. 1. “Computer simulations of 15 sedimentary...


Armenia Joins Eurasian Economic Union, as Kyrgyzstan Edges Closer to Membership

MINSK – Illustrating the growing pull of the yet-to-be-launched Eurasian Economic Union, Armenia joined the group at a meeting of the leaders of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan...


Officials Unveil Details of Samruk Kazyna Transformation

ASTANA – The Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund officially unveiled its transformation programme Oct. 6. The programme is designed to help modernise Kazakhstan’s economy and bring an...


Regional Governments Possess All Components Necessary to Improve Public Services, Says Official

ASTANA – The governments in the region and Kazakhstan’s government, in particular, are working to improve service delivery and are reviewing European best practices, experts involved in...


Kazakhstan, EU Conclude Talks on Enhanced Partnership, Proving International Relations Aren’t “Zero Sum Game”

BRUSSELS – Kazakhstan and the European Union completed talks over an expanded Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in Brussels on Oct. 9 during the visit of the...


Presidential Visit Draws Attention to Mangistau Region’s Assets

During his working visit to the Mangistau Region on Oct. 1, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev had a meeting with entrepreneurs and members of the public sector where...


Almaty Art Exhibit Displays Hopes of Seriously Ill Children

“A Dream,” an art exhibition opened recently in Arman cinema hall in Almaty, displays paintings created by children who are suffering from leukemia and angiostaxis. The children...


Kazakhstan Going Mobile, Announces Official During E-Government Forum

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s hosting of the recent third Global E-Government Forum under the auspices of the United Nations is part of the country’s effort to develop an...


Stronger US-Kazakhstan Relations: Paving the Way along the New Silk Road

Kazakhstan is a country on the move. It is an unmistakable impression one gets from hearing scholars, diplomats and businessmen visiting Washington. Time and again one finds...


Collection Boxes, Nationwide Programme to Address Problem of E-Waste

ASTANA – The government of Kazakhstan is moving to address the growing problem of electronic waste through training programmes, technology disposal receptacles and awareness-raising events, and private...


Adventurers Cross the Country to Promote Youth Patriotism

Twenty adventurers are in the midst of a cross-country expedition to increase patriotic feelings among Kazakh youth and popularise the beauty and distinctive character of the country....


Kazakhstan Moves Forward with Setting up Development Assistance Agency

ASTANA – In an interview with this newspaper, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Rapil Zhoshybayev addressed a number of topics, including the process to...


Kazakh Negotiations to Join WTO Going Well, Should Conclude by Year’s End, Says Official

BRUSSELS –Kazakhstan’s government is committed to creating stable and predictable conditions for European investors that enhance the diversity of Kazakhstan’s economy while the country is in the...


Almaty Food Festival Offers Taste of France

Almaty visitors and residents were able to sample some of the best of Frenchcuisine during the Sept. 26-28 Festival de la Gastronomie Francaise. The festival was held...


Netflix Series ‘Marco Polo’ Shot in Kazakhstan to Premiere in December

ASTANA – An international television series that, in part, features Kazakhstan as the backdrop for the adventures of the great explorer Marco Polo is set to premiere...


Kazakh FM Backs New Asian Security Concept, Outlines Steps to Stronger CICA at Anniversary Event

ASTANA – Voicing support for the new Asian security concept proposed by China, Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov called for more contact between members, more organisational institutions...


The Redlights Shake Up Moscow Rock Music Festival

The Astana-based rock band, The Redlights, won the grand prix at Indyushata 2014, the rock music festival that took place in September. The musicians performed seven music...


Oskars Bartulis: I Don’t Mind Being Called Askar

Latvian hockey star and Astana Barys player Oskars Baruis recently played his first match with Barys against Metallurg from Novokuznetsk. Following the match, Bartulis spoke with The...


Officials Support Breeding of Tazy Hunting Dogs

More than 150 dogs from eight regions were inspected for their hunting merits on Sept. 22 in the Malaya Timofeevka village near Astana. The inspection was  organised...


British-Kazakh Legal Cooperation Should Be Enhanced

I am delighted to be making my first visit to Kazakhstan, a country with which the U.K. has a rapidly growing bilateral relationship. It is also my...


Kazakhstan’s Market Economy: Key Milestones and Achievements

In my new book, “Kazakhstan’s Emerging Economy: Between State and Market,” I study the type of market economy that has evolved in Kazakhstan since 1991 by focusing...


Kazakhstan, Russia Launch Hydrocarbon Initiative, Move Forward with Plans to Build Nuclear Power Plant

The presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia launched a new hydrocarbon development initiative as they met in Atyrau, Kazakhstan on Sept. 30. President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev met...


Kazakhstan Increases Funding for UN-Managed Civil Service Hub

ASTANA – The Kazakh government has agreed to provide $14 million in funding over the next three and a half years to support the Regional Civil Service...


Erlan Idrissov and John Kerry Met in New York to Discuss Key Issues, Situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan


Caspian Summit in Astrakhan Makes ‘Breakthrough’ on Road to Convention

The presidents of the five Caspian littoral states reached several important agreements, including an agreement on the conservation of marine resources, on their way to settling the...


EBRD Arranges $200 Million for Environmentally Friendly Technology for Private Sector Oil Company

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has arranged a financing package of $200 for private oil company KOM Munai to finance new environmentally...


Samruk Kazyna Privatisation Drive Offers New Investment Opportunities

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund is moving forward with its plans to sell a sizable part of the enterprises it controls to the private...


Largest Landlocked Country

Kazakhstan Overcomes Challenges Facing Landlocked Nations

The recent commissioning of the Zhezkazgan-Beineu and Arkalyk-Shubarkol railways, as well as the upcoming launch of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railroad, draw a line under the key stage of...


President’s Strategic Vision Delivers Connectivity

Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s recent interview with Khabar TV at the foothills of Ulytau, a sacred mountain in Kazakh lore, covered a broad and in-depth list of...


Kazakh Traditions

New Institute Seeks to Develop Well-Rounded Kazakh Women

ASTANA – Qazaq qyzy (Kazakh girl), the first women’s institute of cultural and moral education, opened its doors on Sept. 18. The institute aims to provide behavioural...


Young Archeologists Uncover Ancient Finds

EAST KAZAKHSTAN REGION – Unique archaeological findings of the early nomads epoch discovered in recent years in the Altai mountains have substantially raised the prestige of the...


Pakistan Ambassador Hopes to Increase Trade, Urges More Regional Cooperation on Afghanistan

ASTANA – Ambassador of Pakistan to Kazakhstan Shaukat Ali Mukadam wants to make the trade and economic cooperation between the two countries more indicative of their warm...


Healthcare Professionals from 15 Countries Attend Astana Zdorovie Exhibition in Capital

More than 100 doctors, nurses and healthcare experts from 15 countries gathered in Astana Sept. 25-27 for the Astana Zdorovie 2014 international healthcare exhibition. The exhibition showcased...


Business New in Brief

– “Entrepreneurship is a quarter of the economy of the East Kazakhstan region. The number of active small and medium-sized business entities is presently 67,000. Almost...


Economic News in Brief

– “For eight months of the current year, the turnover of the East Kazakhstan region with the countries of the Customs Union (CU) amounted to $900 million,”...


National News in Brief

– Top representatives of their occupations will receive Yenbek Ardageri (Kazakh for “Veteran of Labour”) medals, which honour workers in different sectors of the economy and people...


External News in Brief

– The 58th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference took place from Sept. 22-26 in Vienna. The annual meeting of delegations from 162...


Terrorism Presents Multi-Pronged Threat, Requires International Cooperation to Defeat

Radicalised political Islam, the reignited war in Iraq, and Syria’s prolonged and devastating civil war are fostering a level of terrorism that the world has never before...


Human Capital in Today’s Economy

Highly capable and well-trained human capital is a must if President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s Strategy 2050 development plan for Kazakhstan is to be realised on time. In his...


Idrissov Calls for More Action, Promotes Declaration for Nuclear Weapon Free World at Nuclear Weapons Elimination Meeting

ASTANA – Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov addressed a ministerial meeting marking the first International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons in New York...


Spanish Ambassador Sees Ties Growing, Says Madrid Supports Astana’s UN Security Council Candidacy

The Astana Times recently sat down with Spanish Ambassador to Kazakhstan Manuel Larrotcha Parada who discussed a wide range of issues concerning the relationship between the two...


Nadal and Tsonga Play in Astana

ASTANA – Much excitement was generated by the Sept. 24 arrival in Astana of world famous Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal and his playing partner French athlete...


At UN General Assembly, Kazakh FM Warns Against Rising Tensions, ‘Right of Power’, Urges Attention to G-Global

NEW YORK – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov addressed the plenary session of the 69th UN General Assembly in New York on Sept. 26...


In New York, Idrissov Confirms Support for UN, Promotes Country’s Candidacy for UN Security Council

NEW YORK – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov visited New York from Sept. 22-27 to pledge support for the United Nations, promote Kazakhstan’s candidacy...


International Team Finishes First Phase of Snow Leopard Conservation Project

ASTANA – An international team has just completed the first phase of fieldwork in a project to conduct a population survey of snow leopards in the Almaty...


Flydubai Launches Services to Almaty, Shymkent

Flydubai’s inaugural flight from Dubai into Almaty landed on Sept. 16 at the Almaty International Airport and the low-cost carrier’s arrival was greeted by a traditional water...


Construction Begins on Khorgos-East Gate Dry Port

ALMATY REGION – Construction has begun on the first dry port and logistics area at the Khorgos-East Gate special economic zone (SEZ). The complex in the Panfilov...


Regional Cooperation Key to Helping Afghanistan, Says Kazakh Ambassador

In an interview with this newspaper, Omirtai Bitimov, Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, discussed the challenges and opportunities the current situation is presenting there and Astana’s policies in...


Kazakhstan Urges Peaceful Settlement to Ukraine Conflict, End to “Trade Wars”

NEW YORK – Kazakhstan calls and works for the peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis and is strongly opposed to the unfolding “sanctions war” between the West...


Korean Reunification Bicycle Tour Passes through Kazakhstan

Professional and amateur cyclists from Kazakhstan joined the “One Korea New-Eurasia” international bicycle tour to promote North and South Korean reunification as it passed through Astana on...